Coast Guard urges caution during South Florida’s adverse weather

MIAMI – The Coast Guard is urging boaters to take extra safety precautions through Friday due to adverse weather off South Florida’s coast.

Unusually cold weather, high seas and strong winds are forecasted for South Florida and these conditions can prove disasterous for unprepared mariners. The Coast Guard urges mariners to stay informed of local weather conditions and to take the necessary actions to ensure personal safety.

“Our primary concern is the safety of life at sea,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr Kristi Luttrell, Seventh District senior duty officer. “Although the safest thing to do when adverse weather conditions are forecasted is to stay off the water, boaters must at least be cautious and prepared if they do decide to venture out to sea during foul weather.”

Boaters are reminded to always wear a life jacket, file a float plan with a friend or family member before leaving the dock, and have a working VHF marine radio and an all-digital 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) aboard.